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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) inaugurated the Research Centre for Assistive Technology (RCATech), a new centre dedicated to spearheading research and development in assistive device design and technology and rehabilitation research. With the overarching goal of fostering an inclusive and accessible society, RCATech is the first research centre for assistive technology among Hong Kong’s educational institutions.
RCATech has entered into collaborative agreements with international research institutes and local industry partners, signifying a concerted effort to push the boundaries of assistive technology. The centre is committed to multidisciplinary research, engaging with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and partnering with global educational institutions. This collaboration extends its reach beyond the academic realm to industry partners, creating a nexus for transformative technology that benefits society at large.
Within Hong Kong, RCATech has established partnerships with five local NGOs: The Hong Kong Society for the Aged, Innovation Hub, Elderly Resources Centre of Hong Kong Housing Society, Hong Kong PHAB Association, SAHK, and Association for Engineering and Medical Volunteers Services. These partnerships serve as a testament to RCATech’s commitment to engaging with diverse stakeholders in the community to ensure the relevance and impact of its research.
On the international front, RCATech has forged alliances with two renowned research centres: the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence at the University of Toronto in Canada and the Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore (RRIS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. These collaborations signify a global approach to assistive technology research, leveraging the expertise and resources of institutions beyond Hong Kong’s borders.
A notable figure in RCATech’s network is the former Secretary for Transport and Housing of the HKSAR government and the current Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress, who serves as the Honorary Advisor. His presence reflects the high-profile support and recognition that RCATech has garnered, indicating the centre’s significance in assistive technology.
The inauguration ceremony of RCATech, held at the PolyU campus on 20 November, was a momentous occasion marked by the signing of collaborative agreements with international educational institutions and industry partners. These agreements reinforce RCATech’s commitment to building a robust research platform and advancing the development of assistive technology.
The collaboration was formalised via a Master Research Collaboration Agreement signed by the Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, and the Executive Director of RRIS, NTU.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, highlighted the shared vision of RCATech and its partners in pursuing collaborative research and development activities in rehabilitation. The establishment of RCATech is deemed a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts among academics, industry professionals, and researchers working on assistive technology to create an inclusive and accessible society.
The Executive Director, RRIS, NTU expressed confidence in the joint efforts, emphasising their commitment to harnessing the latest technologies and patient data to enhance the lives of those in need. He lauded RCATech’s multidisciplinary approach and international collaborations, envisioning the centre as a beacon in the pursuit of excellence in assistive technology.
Additionally, the PolyU Faculty of Health and Social Sciences has solidified a partnership with HKT to bolster research projects on the PolyU campus. Leveraging HKT’s 5G network coverage and services, this collaboration is poised to accelerate research initiatives, particularly those focused on assistive technology, benefiting the healthcare industry.
The Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS) at PolyU underscored the university’s unique position as the first in Hong Kong to establish a dedicated research centre for assistive technology. The distinctive combination of disciplines – rehabilitation, health sciences, design, environmental studies, and engineering – working alongside the PolyU Industrial Centre sets the stage for cutting-edge developments in assistive technology.
